Chargers vs. Cardinals prediction: NFL odds, picks, best bets for ‘MNF’

Game 2 of Monday night’s NFL doubleheader features an inter-conference matchup between the Chargers and Cardinals — teams searching for consistency and upward movement in the standings.

Here’s a preview of the matchup with a pick on the spread and the over/under.

Chargers vs. Cardinals odds

Chargers vs. Cardinals spread

The spread opened with the Cardinals as one-point road favorites but has since flipped toward the Chargers. L.A. has a 3-2 record against the spread, while Arizona sits at 3-3.

Even though the Cardinals logged an impressive road win against San Francisco, an upset on Monday night doesn’t seem to be in the cards.

Los Angeles has a stifling defense that ranks third in defensive EPA/play and defensive DVOA, sixth in opponent yards per game and first in opponent points per game.

Meanwhile, Arizona’s defense hasn’t been much better than last season, receiving the third-lowest grade for overall defense by Pro Football Focus and ranking 31st in opponent rushing yards per game (182.7) over the last three weeks.

The run-heavy Chargers understand their strengths and weaknesses on offense, as the passing game has been suspect, but its running backs have been terrific on the ground and the O-line has dominated the trenches.

Don’t expect Los Angeles to bail Arizona out with a ton of pass plays; the Chargers will pound the ball until the Cardinals’ defense breaks. 

Pick: Chargers -1.5 (-108, Fanatics)

Chargers vs. Cardinals point total

The Chargers have only gone over the total in one of their five games, while the Cardinals have an over record of 3-2-1.

Los Angeles’ defense has been sensational under Jim Harbaugh, holding opponents to just 13.2 points per game, the lowest number in the NFL. The Chargers have held all five of their opponents this season to 20 points or fewer.

Betting on the NFL?

None of their games have come close to this 44.5-point line, and we don’t see Arizona’s offense having much success against the Chargers’ top-ranked defense.

The Cardinals have scored 14 or fewer points in three of their last four games, with the only exception being the shocking road win against the Niners.

Pick: Under 44 points (-108, ESPN BET)

Why Trust New York Post Betting

Andrew Norton handicaps the NBA, WNBA, NFL, college basketball and football, UFC and golf. During the 2022-23 NBA season, he achieved a standout 14.1% ROI, cashing 60% of his NBA spread picks and leading Tallysight in its SportsIQ metric.